The sentiment does not end with that story. Loving Hugs is an American charity that collects donations of stuffed animals, called “hugs”, and sends them to children around the world to bring them comfort and hope. The organization has collected over seven hundred stuffed animals. And this afternoon, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the United States, Margaret Hawthorne, joined U.S. military personnel to deliver the cuddly toys to twenty-three children at Liberty Children’s Home in Ladyville. News Five was on hand for the handing over where orphanage director, Delfina Mitchell said that the toys are priceless.

Margaret Hawthorne

Margaret Hawthorne, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy

“They collect these things of bears and we have a ship here in the country at the moment which has a number of the members of our navy and our air force who are here doing training with the B.D.F. and the Coast Guard for a few weeks. As part of that, they brought down seventy of these stuffed animals to donate to some of the children here in Belize and so this is one of those. The soldiers are delighted to be here at Liberty Children’s Home and Delfina and the whole crew here who do a fantastic job and of course with the kids who seem to be enjoying all their little animals.”

Delfina Mitchell

Delfina Mitchell, Director, Liberty Children’s Home

“I think it is great for the kids. They have a little bear, a little stuffed animal to cuddle up with when it is time to go to sleep.”

Duane Moody

“Even though it is not money or cash, it is still worth so much more.”

Delfina Mitchell

“That is very true Duane because look at the kids; they are happy to receive these little gifts. It brightened up their day. I did not tell them that they were getting this today. It is a surprise for them; an unexpected gift and they are happy and appreciative of it.”